TITLE: EXTRA-ORDINARY LOVE QUADRANGLE
( ayami – sakuragi - haruko - rukawa - ayami )
PURPOSE OF WRITING: To continue what I began…
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Slamdunk or any of its characters…don't sue me, k? ^_^
* Author's notes:
[my comments] " their lines"
(the situation) no "" and italicized means their thoughts
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
~ just magik: TY for reviewing! Sorry if you got confused…and merry Christmas too!
~ micchan: TY for reviewing! Wow… those were a lot of reviews. It's not my fault if you got a headache after that…~_^
~ epal sa buhay ko: TY for reviewing! And I'm sorry if my OC resembles a Mary-sue… told you my story sucks big time. Still, glad that you read it…^_^
~ wadohui: TY for reviewing! YEY!!! You're my 100th reviewer! ARIGATOU…^_^ Wait… I thought you like Sendoh…~_^
~ shari da idiotic moron: TY for reviewing! And I'm flattered and honored that you actually think that my fic is kawaii… and are you sure you're going to review EVERY chap? If yes, then good luck…^_^
* Now, on with my story, shall we… happened during the match between Shohoku and the combined forces of Ryonan & Shoyo….
CHAPTER 17: The Unexpected Rival (Part 2)
True love cannot be found
Where it truly does not exist
Nor can it be hidden
Where it truly does
~ ANONYMOUS ~
~ Outside the girl's shower room ~
AYAMI
After 15 minutes, I was still waiting for them and my feet were already aching like hell.
I can't sit on the floor because it's wet and I can't find a mop anywhere. The guys were using it to either clean the court OR play with it.
So immature…
Then, out of nowhere, somebody removed the earplugs on my ear.
" Oi! Don't you know it's rude to suddenly take things when somebody's using it?"
When I looked up to scream at that person some more, I saw that it was psycho smiley. He was smiling, as usual.
" Hehe… gomen. It's just that I've been calling out your name for the past minute but you don't seem to hear me so I removed that from your ear. Here… gomen ne?"
" Oh… okay."
I find it really hard to stay mad at him because he was ALWAYS smiling. It's getting creepier and creepier actually but I'm getting used to it.
" Hey, wait a minute ok? I'll just return this inside Bakemono's bag."
" Bakemono? Who's Bakem --?"
I didn't get to hear his question because I hurriedly went inside the room and returned the Walkman inside Bakemono's bag. Then, I went outside again and stood beside him.
" Wow! That was fast."
" I told you I'd be back in a minute…"
" Who's Bakemono anyway?"
" You mean you don't know him? I thought he's already famous…?"
" I'm not like any other guys out there."
He smiled at me. I rolled my eyes.
" You don't have any originality in your body. THAT was my line the other day, right? Anyway, Bakemono's your rival a while ago. You know, the pale one."
" RUKAWA?!"
" Yeah…I think that's his 'human' name…"
He stared at me for a second then laughed.
" You call him THAT and you're still in one piece?"
" I always use my incredible charm on him. It never fails me."
" Yare, yare…so, what are you doing here?"
" Waiting for Ayako-san and Haruko-chan to finish. You?"
" Just finished freshening up…and returning this to you."
He handed me a freshly pressed shirt. I suddenly remembered that it was Bakemono's shirt.
" Oh…I completely forgot I lent this to you. I'll just return it later to Bakemono. "
" THAT is Rukawa's shirt? "
" Yeah…why? Is there a problem?"
" I WORE his shirt… he'll kill me
if he finds out."
" I know…but don't worry. He'll NEVER find out. I promise."
" Okay….arigatou!"
" It's nothing…hey! Do you want some gum? I have loads here."
" Iie…thanks anyway."
He gave me another one of his smiles again. I bet…Bakemono's life…that Sendoh-san will probably be a billionaire by now if he gets paid every time he flashes his pearly whites to the public.
" Hey, you know you can be a commercial model for a brand of toothpaste. You seem to smile a lot…"
" I already had some offers but I turned them down. It'll just distract me from basketball."
" REALLY? Cool…. And how about doing an ad for a brand of hair gel? Had there been any offers?"
" As of this moment… plenty."
" HAH! I knew it. You really have amazing hair. It's so….pointy."
He just smiled at me. I smiled back at him. After that, we were both silent. I just kept on chewing my gum while he, on the other hand, was whistling.
Suddenly, he stopped and stood in front of me. I thought he was already leaving so I looked at him. He was intently looking at me. I blushed.
Then, to my utter surprise, he suddenly reached out and stroked my cheek with his long fingers.
What the--
Too shocked to move, I felt his fingers move across my face to rest at the corner of my lips before dropping down to my chin. Then he tilted my head and looked intently into my eyes.
As suddenly as it happened, he immediately pulled away, and then laughed while scratching the back of his head.
" GOMEN! I don't know what possessed me to do that. I guess I just find you too beautiful and kind for my comfort. Gomen nasai…"
" Uh…"
I didn't know what to say. It felt like all the words I learned since the time I was born was erased from my memory.
Maybe this is not Sendoh-san…maybe this is another monster like Bakemono who's sole purpose is to make me crazy with confusion! Maybe…
" Ja ne, Ayami-chan."
" Huh?! Uh…"
He walked away from me and disappeared round the corner. He just left me there…bewildered and everything.
What the hell just happened?!?!
" Ayami-chan…?"
" HUH?!"
It was Haruko-chan. I didn't notice that she was already beside me.
Did she saw what that…hentai did to me? How about Ayako-san? How about Sakuragi-kun? How about --
" You look pale. Daijoubu?"
" Ha…hai! I'm always okay. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH -- gwark!"
UGH! I swallowed my gum.
" C'mon… Ayako-san's looking for you."
" Hai…"
I followed her inside the locker room. I tried my best to act normal but frankly, it's exhausting and really hard.
I hope NOBODY saw that VERY embarrassing scene….
SENDOH
I was whistling and smiling on my way out of the locker room. I kept on recalling Ayami-chan's face when I did THAT to her. Her look was really priceless.
KAWAII…
I was about to turn the corner when I was suddenly body slammed against a wall. I blinked a bit then found myself looking into the eyes of a very pissed off Rukawa.
" Rukawa, fancy seeing you here. I thought you were still there fighting with your friends or showing off and everything. Miss me already?"
I reached up and tried to pull his hands off my shirt but he just tightened his grip. I gave up.
" Don't EVER touch her." Rukawa said, his voice dangerously slow.
" Who? Ayami-chan?"
" Don't say her name so affectionately."
He glared at me like he was shooting daggers everywhere.
SO, he's my REAL rival. This is getting fascinating…
" Don't worry. She's from Shohoku. I'm from Ryonan. We're like Romeo and Juliet of the modern times."
His grip tightened and he seemed more determined now to beat the hell out of me.
" Okay….bad simile. What I did was a mistake. I didn't mean anything by it, really. You don't need to act like a possessive boyfriend when she doesn't even notice you, right?"
Although the motion felt reluctant, Rukawa finally let go of my shirt.
" Look what you did. I just pressed this shirt yesterday…" I smiled at him.
" Hands off her."
" We're getting too talkative now eh? Okay…I promise with all my black little heart, Bakemono."
I smiled while clasping my hands together.
" SHE'S the only one allowed to call me THAT, do'ahou."
And, luckily, he finally turned to leave.
WHEW! That was close. I thought he's going kill me!
Hmmm….I didn't know that the walking ice block or the self-proclaimed rookie of Shohoku feels emotions too.
Too bad we're rivals again and I always make sure that I win….
MITSUI
Well, well, well….what have we got here eh? The story's getting more and more exciting….
Rukawa's coming….
" So, finished already?"
He just continued walking as if I was never there.
Nevermind….Sendoh's coming.
" So, you finally met HIM eh?"
" Yeah…."
" There's another one."
" Eh?"
" Ayami-chan's crush."
" She has someone she likes?"
" I'm afraid so…"
" Does this someone like her too?"
" Hmm…I don't think so."
" Then he's nothing to worry about. Thanks anyway."
" I don't need your thanks. I will never give her to you or to that other jerk so easily."
" I'm not asking for your permission. JA!"
" Why you…."
But he already left and jogged out of the court.
HAH! Let's see who gets the last smile, freak!
RUKAWA
That freak better keeps his promise or else….
When I entered the gym, Mitsui said something to me but I didn't answer. It was a senseless question anyway. After that, Sendoh also came out. I saw that they were talking with each other again.
Maybe they're a couple already…
Then, I saw Sendoh smile at Mitsui while he, on the other hand, was fuming with anger. While Sendoh was jogging out of the gym, he gave me one last look then smiled.
UGH! He's really gay…
Finally, do'ahou ononoko came out followed by Ayako-san and Gori's sister. She looks rather pale and dazed.
Che! Look at what that Sendoh did to her… I should have just strangled him.
SAKURAGI
" OI AYAMI-CHAN! HARUKO-SAN! OVER HERE!"
" Sakuragi-kun, you seem very happy today…."
Haruko-chan was smiling when she said this. KAWAII!
" Of course. We're already leaving in a couple of days from now. The tensai's just excited. NYAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
" Oh…"
" Haruko-san, Hanamichi here would like to invite you out tonight. You know, for some dinner."
" Eh?! Is that true Sakuragi-kun"
" WHY YOU PUNKS -- "
" But Hanamichi, you should be thankful to us! We helped you ask Haruko-san out…."
" Teme…"
" WAIT! Before you kill us, why don't we find out Haruko-san's answer?"
I looked at Haruko-san and saw that she was blushing.
I hope she says yes….
" So, what's your answer?"
HARUKO
Sakuragi-kun's inviting me to dinner.
How nice of him….
" OKAY!"
" REALLY?!?!?" The Gundan said, " UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!"
" Yes…I mean why not? It's just a friendly dinner, right?"
" Ha…HARUKO-SAN!!!" Sakuragi-kun was red all over the face.
" HANAMICHI!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Then different confetti was thrown at him while Sakuragi-kun just laughed. Then, onii-chan came and yelled at them to clean the mess they made.
I really don't understand why their making a big deal about this…but if it makes them happy, I guess I'll just get along with them.
" Anou…I'm going home."
It was Ayami-chan. We were all surprised because we didn't notice that she's there. She was looking down at the floor and her fists were clenched.
I wonder what's wrong with her….
" AH! Ayami-chan, daijoubu? You seem too quiet today?" Sakuragi-kun asked her, concern reflected in his eyes.
" I'm okay. I'm just…tired."
" Then let these four escort you home and --"
" Thanks but I can go home by myself."
" Oh…okay. See you tomorrow then."
" Yeah…tomorrow."
" JA AYAMI-CHAN!"
" Ja…"
Something was troubling me so I decided to follow her first and ask if she's really okay. She was not this depresses a wile ago.
Maybe she's mad because we took a long time at the bathroom….
" Ayami-chan, are you sure you're okay?"
" I already said YES didn't I? Just….just enjoy your date."
" EH?! It's NOT a date. We will just eat dinner together."
" Yeah…whatever. Ja…"
I watched her go out of the gym doors and disappeared in the darkness.
What did I do?!
AYAMI
SAKURAGI-KUN ASKED HARUKO-CHAN TO DINNER! He asked her out… IN FRONT OF ME!!
How unlucky can a person get?!?! Ugh! This day is one of the worst of all the worst days I have in my life….
It seems I have an emotional turmoil going on inside. And to make matters worse, that hentai added more problems in my already problematic life.
ARRRGGGHHHHHH!!!
" Oi…"
" ARE? Who's there?"
Out of the darkness, a tall guy emerged. It was Bakemono.
" Oh….it's only you. Are you following me?"
" No."
" Why are you here then?"
" Home." I saw that his bike's front part was distorted.
" Ah…fell asleep again eh?"
" Do'ahou."
" Why are you not practicing? You always practice after everyone had already left right?"
" Later."
He was walking beside me now. I noticed that the night-light makes him look…better. And he seems healthier now because there are no black circles around his eyes anymore. And it seems that he became taller. Then, I suddenly remembered that I haven't returned Bakemono's shirt. I rummaged for it inside my bag.
" Uh…Bakemono, I have something for you."
I gave him his shirt, which was still neatly folded. He reached for it then he looked at me curiously.
" Um…it's your shirt. I…I borrowed it while you were gone. Anou…don't
worry. I already washed it."
He picked it up with the tip of his two fingers as if the shirt was surrounded by thousands of deadly viruses. He eyed it warily then after a few seconds of observing it, he threw it inside the trashcan. Then, he asked this man who was smoking for a lighter then, he burned the shirt.
" Eh?! Why did you do that? I didn't do anything to your shirt ok? I was just returning it to you and --"
" It's filthy enough with you touching it but Sendoh wearing it is completely unacceptable."
" What?! Me? Filthy? Now THAT'S a mouthful. How can you say tha….hey! How…how did you know that Send…wait! Don't tell me you heard…you saw…"
He just nodded. Now, I can officially declare how truly pathetic my life is.
Why, of all people to see that display of utmost humiliation, does it have to be Bakemono?
But I'm sure it was nothing. Sendoh Akira is just a baka hentai psychotic smiley who cannot stand being alone with a girl without being a stupid pervert. Wait till I get my hands on him one of these days…
How dare him to confuse me like that! HAH! I'd show him that he better think twice about getting all touchy with girls…
My thoughts were distracted when I heard a loud crash beside me. I saw Bakemono sprawled on the street looking like a frog who was ran over by some kind of vehicle.
" Oi! What happened to you?"
When I rushed to his side, I saw that he was sleeping.
This guy never ceased to amaze me. Imagine, whoever met a person who can sleep ANYWHERE he wants to? Sheesh….
" Oi! Wake up. Here…just stand ok? I'll…I'll carry you home…no wait! I can't carry you…you're too heavy and…and…"
I heard him mumble something. Then, he stood up with his eyes still closed.
How can he sleep peacefully like this?! Is he really serious about me carrying him home?! I'm not XENA for crying out loud… I know I act like Xena BUT, I don't have her amount of strength!
I tried carrying him but he was too heavy. I tried pulling him but I'm not that strong enough. It left me no choice but to just escort him to a nearby bench and wait for a taxi.
After a few minutes, a cab pulled in front of me. I asked him if he could bring Bakemono home and he agreed. I gave the man his address then both of us carried him inside the cab. Before leaving, he asked for my payment.
DAMN! I don't have enough money….this is my allowance for the whole week. DRATS!
I had no other choice but to give him all of my allowance.
It's better than bringing Bakemono home by myself…
" Don't worry. I'll make sure your boyfriend reaches his house safely," the driver said to me before driving off.
BOYFRIEND?!?! Why that stupid moron…
I hurriedly copied the plate number of the cab and vowed to myself that I'll make my payback next time for assuming I'm Bakemono's girlfriend. Then I continued to walk home.
I'll just call him later….just to make sure that moronic driver really brought him home.
RUKAWA
" Oi Mister! Wake up! You're home! AND STOP DROOLING ON MY CAB!"
HUH?! Where the hell am I? Who the hell's waking me up from my peaceful sleep?!
When I opened my eyes, I saw that I was inside a car with a bald man beside me. Of course, I was so irritated at him so punched him on the face.
" WHY YOU LITTLE PUNK! GET OUT! NOW!!!!!"
" Do'ahou."
" OUT! OUT! OUT!!!!!!"
I went out of his smelly car and he shouted different curses at me before driving off.
How did I get inside a cab anyway?
I suddenly remembered that I was walking home with do'ahou ononoko while staring at her when I suddenly fell asleep.
I was supposed to walk her home…but I fell asleep. DO'AHOU RUKAWA!
Then, I heard the phone ring inside.
Who the hell's calling me at this time of the night?! Must be those pesky girls again…I should just ask the telephone men to disconnect my line.
I stumbled first inside because things were scattered on the floor. The phone just continued ringing. Then, I have to look under a pile of clothes to see whether the phone's there. The phone was still ringing. Finally, I found it between the pillows on the sofa.
This should be important or else…
" Or else what?"
" Huh?!"
" This should be important or else what?"
Ugh! I didn't know I said that aloud.
" You know, normal people say hello first or greet the caller once they answered the phone. And why did it took you forever to answer it anyway?"
This voice sounds familiar….
" Who are you?"
" Oh….you don't know me? You sure you want to know? Of course! I'm your friendly neighborho --"
" Ayami."
" I'm surprised that you still remember my REAL name. You always call me that lousy nickname which is not suitable for a GREAT person like me."
" Do'ahou."
" Whatever…so, care to tell me WHY did you suddenly fell asleep on the pavement?"
" Tired."
" Tired…sure. But next time, make sure to warn me first, ok? That way, I can just ran off and leave you behind without feeling any guilt or whatsoever."
" Do'ahou."
" Hehe…did you know that your voice sounds different when you talk on the phone. It's funnier!"
" …………………………………"
" Anou….you must be wondering why I'm calling you."
" ……………………………….."
" Well, I just called to make sure that stupid driver brought you home in one piece and to remind you that you owe me a lot of money. I paid for your fare. Pay me tomorrow ok? That's my savings for the whole week."
" Hmn…."
There was a long pause after that. I heard strange sounds in the background. More like crying and moaning and…
Oh….so she likes soap operas eh? I didn't know do'ahou ononoko likes to watch sappy things like that….weird.
" Anou…congratulatios."
" Nani?"
" You did a great play during your game this afternoon, as usual. "
" …………………………………"
" You could at least say 'Thanks!', you know…."
" ………………………………….."
" Fine…act as if you're not hearing anything. So, I'll just see you tomorrow ok? I still have to call Yohei-kun to ask him some details on Sakuragi-kun's and Haruko-chan's 'little date'. Ugh! Just thinking of it makes me really upset. I also have to call Mitsui-kun to remind him to return my picture he stole from my wallet the other day. That jerk…. And I have to call Ayako-san because…I just want to. And I have to call Miyagi-kun to comfort him. He's really depressed today because Ayako-san's still not talking to him. And I have to call Kogure-sempai to ask him to tutor me tomorrow. And I have to call Akagi-sempai to ask him if I would still bring extra mops tomorrow. And lastly, I will try calling my otosan. Maybe he'll answer it this time. And I have to call --"
" Busy night?"
" Are? Um…yeah. Good thing ojiisan and obaasan's out. They were having a little night out."
" Alone?"
" Me? Um…yeah…but it's okay. I know okaasan's watching over me. I'll be fine by myself. And I can always call for help from you, right?"
" Hmn…."
" Oh! I also have to call that baka hentai psychotic smiley. I will let him know how irritated I am at what he did to me today. That crazy pervert…"
" WHO?"
" The baka hentai psychotic smiley a.k.a. Akira Sendoh."
" HIM?!"
" Yeah…want to join? We can do a three-way you know. We can irritate him all night long. But, I'm not sure whether that guy gets irritated at all. I mean, all he does is smile. So, want to join me? It'd be fun, I promise."
" NO."
" Okay. It was just a suggestion. You don't have to shout, sheesh…"
There was silence again. I cursed myself for suddenly lashing out at her.
" How did you know him?"
" Who? Sendoh-san?"
" Hmn…."
" I bumped into him the other day. He got lost or something…."
" Do'ahou."
" Yeah…he's really a do'ahou for getting lost. Hmmmm….you know, we should call each other a lot more. You're more talkative over the phone. I mean, have you noticed that we're actually having a conversation?"
" Do'ahou."
" Hehe….call me tomorrow ok? I made the first move today so it's your turn to call me tomorrow."
" No."
" You're such a party-pooper. That's why nobody wants to be friends you… except me. I don't even know why I befriended you in the first place. It's either I pity you so much or I just want to know how it feels to have a 'special' friend, if you get my drift."
" Do'ahou ononoko."
" Hehe… I thought you wouldn't get it. So, I'll just see you tomorrow ok? Ja!"
" Hmn…."
After that, I heard her bring the phone down. I think that's the longest 'conversation' I had on the phone. I actually felt 'glad' after that.
SHIT!
I REALLY have to get rid of this stupid feeling before it's too late.
I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO FEEL ANYTHING, right?
[Rukawa's really stubborn and weird! He had already admitted to himself that he's falling for her on a previous chapter and today, he acted like a jealous boyfriend but he still tries to deny his feelings for her. I bet he will really go crazy one of these days….ne?]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~_^ MY! MY!
Before I forget, I want to greet all of you…
MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR! ^_^
The story's getting lousier and lousier….GOMEN NASAI! But, I hoped you still liked this chapter. Sorry for all the OOC's on the different characters. I'M SORRY FOR EVERYTHING!
BTW, if you guys would like to chat with me (please…I'm already dead bored), here's my yahoo id and msn id: ennaira1847@yahoo.com/ennaira1847@hotmail.com (any of the two im's fine). I'll be waiting for your messages…^_^
So, before cursing me for wasting your time on a very lousy fic….
Love it? Hate it? Let me know!
Pls. Review! JA! ^_^